The History of Rome (Books I-VIII)

An epic endeavor by a man genuinely enamored of his native Rome Livys The History of Rome was originally written in 142 books spanning the entire history of the Roman people up to Livys day in the time of Augustus in the first century BC. While this Roman historians monumental undertaking took most of his life only 35 books still survive today. Livy begins with Aeneas landing on Italy and the myth of Romulus and Remus founding of Rome. He also thoroughly covers numerous wars such as the Samnite Wars the Punic Wars and the Social War as well as all of the rulers of Rome including Julius Caesar Nero and Augustus. Though the work is a bit biased its countless references to other sources are a testament of Livys attempt to create an accurate understandable history of the Roman Kingdom and later the Republic. Simultaneously a glorification of Rome and a passionate warning to future Romans Ab Urbe Condita reflects the magnificence and ignominy the opinions and interests and the myths and political realities of one of historys most remarkable civilizations. In this volume you will find books I-VIII of Livys Histories.